A top five guide to beer in Brussels
The best places to drink beer in Brussels
Heading to Brussels? It's well worth setting aside some time for a quick snifter of the local brew. Beers from Belgium are famous the world over, and for good reason. Whether you’re an ale aficionado exploring the Brussels craft beer scene, or just after a quick taste of the local tipple, there’s a friendly bar to suit every mood. As always, remember to drink responsibly. Santé!
Where to have a beer in Brussels
In a city as beer-loving as Brussels, there’s no shortage of pubs, brasseries and terraces on which to sink a drink. From elegant art nouveau surroundings and charming, cosy nooks, to a rooftop bar and foodie spots for a quick refuel, here’s our top five guide to where to drink beer in Brussels.
La Porteuse d’Eau
Avenue Jean Volders 48, 1060
Best for: art nouveau architecture
Housed in a picturesque building on the corner of a tree-lined street, this traditional brasserie is a work of art in its own right.
Come for the beer and tasty menu of Belgian classics, stay for the beautiful art nouveau surroundings, complete with stained glass ceiling and a sweeping spiral staircase flanked by a swirling wrought iron banister.
Poechenellekelder
Eikstraat 5, 1000
Best for: cosy, old-world charm
This cosy tavern, a stone’s throw from the Manneken Pis, is a favourite with locals and travellers alike.
Named for the puppets (poechenelle) that line its walls, it’s a charming spot to while away an afternoon.
On a sunny day, grab a spot outside and watch the world go by as your beer goes down.
Monk
Sint Katelijnestraat 42, 1000
Best for: unexpected spaghetti
What better way to soak up the beer than with a generous pile of piping hot spaghetti?
This friendly bar just a few steps from the Grand Place boasts an impressive beer menu, along with cocktails, outdoor seating and, on Saturday nights, live music.
Oh, and spaghetti… For a pasta pit-stop, head to the back of the bar for generous portions topped with plenty of cheese.
Jam Hotel
132 Chaussée de Charleroi, 1060
Best for: al fresco drinks
If you like your sundowner with a side of DJ set, open-air pool and views across the rooftops, this is the place for you.
The beer menu’s less adventurous than most in Brussels, but with cocktails, wine and G&T on offer too, it’s a great crowd-pleaser.
And the setting’s fabulous on a warm spring or summer evening.
Brasserie Verschueren
Parvis de Saint-Gilles 11, 1060
Best for: tasty street food
First opened in 1880, Brasserie Verschueren started life as a small counter selling gueuze, kriek and fruit liqueurs made by one of many small family breweries in Brussels.
Now known for its artistic and activist clientele, its vintage vibes make it well worth a visit.
Stop by on a Thursday night to soak up the party atmosphere as street food stalls, mobile wine bars and musicians descend on the square outside.
Frequently asked questions about Belgian beers
If you just fancy a quick peek at Belgian brewing, the Museum of Belgian Brewers (opens in a new tab) on Grand Place offers a good introduction and includes a small sample.
Brussels Beer Project (opens in a new tab) in Dansaert – a few minutes’ walk from Grand Place – runs 30-minute flash tours on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Otherwise, you’ll need to head slightly away from the centre.
The good news is, there are plenty of options, from micro-breweries making experimental ales (opens in a new tab), to traditional taprooms (opens in a new tab), and even the chance to create your own beer.
While the museum (opens in a new tab) on Grand Place is a good place to start, if you want to dive deeper into Belgian brewing, you’ll need to venture slightly out of town.
Cantillon (opens in a new tab) and Ermitage Nanobrasserie (opens in a new tab) offer tastings not far from Brussels-Midi/Zuid. Otherwise, head towards Laeken for En Stoemelings (opens in a new tab) and Brasserie de la Senne (opens in a new tab).
Of course there are plenty more dotted around the city.
Brasserie de la Senne (opens in a new tab) offers tours on Saturdays and welcomes groups, with a discount when you book for more than 12 people.
At Beerstorming you and your friends can brainstorm and create your own unique beer, with a little help from a master brewer. You’ll need a group of 7-14 people, but there’s an open bar and tapas included.
En Stoemelings (opens in a new tab) offer free tours of their microbrewery on a Saturday in English, French and Dutch.
Or a self-guided, one-hour tour of the more traditional Cantillon (opens in a new tab) is an option on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays for just €8, including a tasting.
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